Compacting system

ABSTRACT

A container is located below a refuse chute and a gate unit in the chute is opened to allow refuse to discharge from the chute into the container. The container is then moved to a compacting station wherein the refuse in the container is compacted. If the compacted refuse is below a predetermined level in the container, the container is moved back below the chute and the gate unit opened to allow further refuse to fall within the container. This procedure is repeated until the level of the compacted refuse in the container reaches a predetermined level. Then the full container is ejected from the system, and empty container is moved below the chute and the gate unit is operated as above to allow further refuse to fall in the empty container. The gate unit may be operated in response to refuse falling. Alternatively, the apparatus is operated by means of a timer at predetermined times.

United States Patent [191 Ippolito et al.

[ COMPACTING SYSTEM 3,386,372 6/1968 Knipp 100/49 Inventors: Amos D. ppBrooklyn, 2,984,957 5/1961 Lundgren 53/124 B William Y. L. Ma, Yonkers,both of NY Przmary Exammer-Traws S. McGehee Attorney-Robert D. Flynn etal. [73] Asslgnee: Environmental Pollution Research Corporation, NewHyde Park, v V N Y [57] ABSTRACT [22 Filed; Au 13 1971 A container islocated below a refuse chute and a ate 1 g g unit in the chute is openedto allow refuse to discharge [21] Appl' l7l708 from the chute into thecontainer. The container is Related U.S. Application Dat then moved to acompacting station wherein the re- [63] continuatiommpan of Ser 847 567Aug. 5 fuse in the container is compacted. If the compacted 1969,abandone refuse is below a predetermined level in the container, thecontainer is moved back below the chute and the [52] U s C 53 124 B, 009 100/100, gate unit opened to allow further refuse to fall within 00 22A, 55 the container. This procedure is repeated until the 51 1m. (:1B65b 1/24 level ef the eempeeted refuse in the container reaches 58Field of Search 53/24, 124 B; a predetermined level- Then the fullcontainer is 00 0 55 2 A 49 ejected from the system, and empty containeris moved below the chute and the gate unit is operated [56] ReferencesCited as above to allow further refuse to fall in the empty UNITEDSTATES PATENTS container. The gate unit may be operated in response torefuse falling. Alternatively, the apparatus is oper- Edelbalk 52/l24 Bated by means of a timer at predetermined times 3,229,6l8 l/l966OC0nn0r..... 2 l 1 D F- 3,602,136 8/1971 Ligh 2 C 3 rawmg 3,541,94911/1970 Clar 3,48l,268 12/1969 Price et al 100/229 v Z. .L. 3- Control/00 lrcult /23 4 /2 /25 Te /06 Control To m cll'ull Control I07 IC1rcu|t 2 j] 1 I03 /29 l j 1x /02 /04 l m8 /05 /0/ //0 I09 /22PAIENIEDAB 3765.147

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SHEET 5 or s FORWARD FILLING CONVEYOR I H I- H I O H "MoToR u I FORWARDH I ERsE 1 CONVEYOR 0L0. MOTOR l REVERSE CAN FULL L n L V RELAY I RAMDOWN D vALvE Hv-Q Q M SOLENOI 124 n RAM SEQUENCE RELAY RAM DOWN RELAYRELAY STORAGE I CYCCLE E IN P T V OM LE A A Q1 AUDI BLE ALARM COMPACTINGSYSTEM This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 847,567, filed Aug. 5,1969, now abandoned.

This invention relates to compacting systems and, more particularly, toapparatus for compacting material such as refuse received from a chute,such as an incinerator chute, or the like.

The present invention will be described in detail herein with respect toa chute-type refuse handling system. The present system is particularlysuitable for compacting refuse of the type encountered in residentialsystems, such as those in apartment houses, and for replacing existingincinerators with compacting systems utilizing the existing chutearrangement. The sustem is also useful for handling other wastematerials and refuse such as waste from department stores, supermarketsand various industrial plants. However, it should be clear that theprinciples set forth herein are equally applicable to any otherapplication wherein it is required to compact material received from achute or a hopper, a direct-fed operating system or the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a compating systemwhich is relatively simple, inexpensive to manufacture and which isadaptable to replace existing incinerator systems without making majormodification to the existing installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, acompacting system comprises a receiving station which includes a chutefor receiving material to be compacted and means for receivingacontainer. Also included is a gate unit in the receiving station foropening and closing the chute for selectively feeding material to becompacted into the container. The system further includes a compactingstation and a transport mechanism for moving the container between thereceiving station and the compacting station. Responsive to theoperating of the gate unit and/or the discharge of material into thecontainer, the transport means operates to move the container to thecompacting station after the gas unit is closed, the material in thecontainer being compacted at the compacting station. At the compactingstation, a level sensing means is provided for sensing the level of thecompacted material in the container. The transport mechanism operates tomove the container back to the receiving station for receiving furthermaterial to be compacted if the level of the compacted material in thecontainer is below a predetermined level, and operates to eject thecontainer from the compacting system if the level of the compactedmaterial in the container is above the predetermined level. The gateunit and the associated apparatus may be operated in response to sensingof material in the chute, or may be. operated periodically by means of atimer or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of acompacting system according to the present invention for use with achute.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the system of FIG.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the system shown in FIG. 1 modified inaccordance with further features of the invention;

FIGS. 4a-4c illustrate a container liner for use with the compactingsystem of the present invention;

FIGS. and 5b illustrate container and liner configurations for use withdisposable bags or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the system shown in FIGS. 1-3 furthermodified in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7a and 7b are schematic diagrams of the control circuit used inthe embodiment of FIG. 6; and

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate a portion of the system showing a furthermodification in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, atthe refuse receiving station 1 is a platform 101 for locating containersbelow a chute which may be part of an existing incinerator system. Theplatform 101 comprises a pair of support members 102 and 103 havingbearing portions 104 and 105, respectively for carrying a container 106.In this embodiment, the container is accomodated within a containerholder 107. The upper surfaces of portions 104 and 105 are preferablycoated with a material having a low coefficient of friction, such asteflon, so the container 106 and its holder 107 may easily slidethereon. Located between the lower portions 108 and 109 of members 102and 103, respectively is a chain drive mechanism 110 having dogs 111thereon. Alternatively, a track having a surface of low coefficient offriction may comprise, or be attached to, the upper surfaces of bearingportions 104 and 105. The chain drive mechanism 110 is well-known in theart and is not described in detail herein. The dogs are driven by thechain drive and are adapted to push the container 106 to the desiredpositions on platform 101. Alternatively, the platform 101 comprises aplurality of rollers to enable the container 106 and its holder 107 tobe easily rolled thereon. A conveyor-belt-type or chain-type arrangementhaving dogs thereon to locate the containers apart from each other mayalso be used. Other equivalent devices may be used for platform 101.

A second platform 122, which is similar to platform 101 is alsopartially located below chute 100 for moving containers 106 from thereceiving station to a compacting station 3. The chain drive forplatform 101 is a unidirectional drive and the chain drive for platform122 is a bi-direction drive.

An automatically operated gate 112 is mounted at or near the bottomopening of the chute 100 to selectively open and close the chute toallow refuse to selectively fall within the container 106. Gate 112 isconstructed of suitable impact resistant material to insure that refusefalling thereon is properly blocked and that falling refuse will notdamage the gate. Gate 112 is operated by means of refuse sensor 113which causes gate 112 to open when the sensor senses the presence ofmaterial to be compacted in the chute 100. Refuse sensor 1 13 may be anelectrical switch having a whisky-type operating arm 114 which isactivated by the refuse falling from the chute. Sensor 113 may also takethe form of a sonic sensor or photoelectric sensor, both of which arewell-known in the art. Gate 112 will not operate unless limit switchesand 121 are operated to indicate that container 106 and its holder 107are properly located below chute 100. Switches 120 and 121 may bemounted to the housing (not shown) of the system. All of the sensor 113,115, 120 and 121 are coupled to control circuit 2 which contains theappropriate logic to operate the system described herein. The logic isstraightforward and the design thereof to operate the various portionsof the system should be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Sensor 115 is provided for indicating when gate 112 is properly closed.Gate sensor 115 may be a wellknown limit switch or the like which isoperated when the movable part of the gate is properly located in itsclosed position.

A funnel-shaped transition chute unit 116 is positioned between thecontainer 106 and the chute 100 to ensure that all of the falling refuseis received in container 106. The outer edge 117 of funnel unit 116substantially conforms to the chute opening (either square, round, oval,etc.) and the inner edge 118 of the funnel unit 116 is designed toconform with the opening of container 106 to ensure that all of therefuse falls within the container 106.

Located adjacent the refuse receiving station 1 is compacting station 3which comprises a housing 119 which receives the container 106 onplatform 122 after the container 106 has received material to becompacted and after the gate 112 has been closed. After these conditionsare determined, control circuit 2 causes chain drive for platform 122 tomove container 106. When the container 106 is properly positioned in thecompacting station 3, as indicated by limit switches 124 and 125, a ram123 is caused to descend (in a manner well-known in the art) by controlcircuit 2 and compact the refuse in container 106. Coupled to the ram123 is a sensor rod 126 for indicating when the container 106 is filledwith compacted material. The rod 126 has a protrusion 127 thereon whichcooperates with switch 128, switch 128 being coupled to the controlcircuit 2. Each time the ram descends, protrusion 127 will operateswitch 128, indicating the container 106 is not full. When the ramdescends and switch 128 is not operated, this indicates that container106 is full. When the full pressure has been applied by the ram, the ramrises. This application of full pressure is sensed by a pressure switchwhich forms part of the ram mechanism. Clearly, sensing devices otherthan the rod 126 and switch 128 may be used to provide the desiredresults.

After the ram 123 is raised, if the container 106 is not full, asdetermined by sensor 126, then the container 106 is automatically movedback to the refuse receiving station 1 for receiving more refuse. Inthis case, the gate 112 is caused to open after the container 106 is inposition and if refuse is present on gate 112, as determined by sensor113, so that refuse may again fall within container 106. This procedureis repeated until compacting sensor 126 senses that container 106 isfull after compaction by ram 123. The platform is then energized andcontainer 106 is automatically ejected out of the compacting station 3,down ramp 129 to a disposal station (not shown).

A sprayer 130 may be provided at compacting station 3 to spray achemical solution containing insecticide, and/or deodor-agents, and/or asealing compound on top of the compacted material in the container 106prior to ejection of container 106 down ramp 129.

Generally, ram force of about 3,000 lbs. will be used for ordinaryapartment house use. Obviously, this can be greater or less as requiredfor household, commercial or industrial use, and depending upon the typeof material being compacted.

In order to facilitate movement of the containers 106 throughout thesystem, a container holder 107 is optionally provided. The containerholder 107 in the Figures is a device of substantially squareconfiguration within which the container 106 is accommodated. It shouldbe clear that container holder 107 can take any other convenient shape,depending upon the application and depending upon the shape of thecontainer 106. It has been found in practice that by providing acontainer holder 107, the movement of the container 106 within thesystem between the various stations is greatly facilitated. The bottomof the holder is so constructed to accommodate the configuration of thebottom of the container and to withstand the force applied by the ram.Clearly, depending upon the particular system, container holder 107 maybe omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the platform 101 can be extended and can be linkedwith a further platform 101a which also includes a chain drivemechanism, a roller bearing surface, conveyor belt, or the like, forstorage of empty containers which are automatically fed to the refusereceiving station 1 when a full container 106 is ejected down ramp 129.The operation of the additional platform or platforms is coordinatedwith the system by means of control circuit 2. A typical chain drivesystem which can be easily adapted to the present invention is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 3,226,764, dated Jan. 4, 1966, and issued to W.Hostettler.

Doors 131 and 132 are located above and below the gate 112 in order toprovide access to gate 112 in the event a jam occurs.

In order to insure that too much refuse does not fall into a container106, a second gate 134 (see FIG. 3) may be mounted a predetermineddistance above gate 112 in chute 100. The second gate 134 is maintainedclosed whenever gate 112 is opened. The spacing between gates is suchthat the volume of material accommodated therebetween does not exceedthe capacity of a container. This will reduce the possibility of anoverflow of refuse at the receiving station 1 when lower gate 112 isopened. Gate 134 includes sensing switch 135 coupled to control circuit2 to signal when the gate 134 is closed. A sensing switch 133, coupledto control circuit 2, is provided to sense the presence of material tobe compacted on gate 134. Switch 133 operates in a similar manner asdoes switch 113. These sensors 133 and 135 are coupled to controlcircuit 2 which causes gate 134 to operate at the appropriate times.Further details of the operation of gate 134 should be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

FIG. 3 shows another modification of the present system which is usablewith or without the upper gate 134. Additional switches and 161, coupledto control circuit 2 and operable by protrusion 127 on rod 126 arelocated above switch 128. Selective operation of these switches byprotrusion 127 as the ram 123 descends will sense the degree to whichcontainer 106 is filled. This information is operated on in controlcircuit 2. Also sensors 162 and 163, such as sonic sensors, are providedabove gate 112 to sense how much material is present in chute 100 to becompacted. This information is also sent to control circuit 2 whichdetermines (from the selective operation of switches 128, 160 and 161)if container 106 has enough available space to accommodate the amount ofmaterial waiting to be compacted. If not, the container is ejected downramp 129 and an empty container is located under chute 100.

This is a more complex, but more effective, method of preventingcontainer overflow in compacting systems. However, this more complexsystem is not believed to be necessary in compacting systems for usewith refuse chutes in large residential dwellings and the like. In theseresidential systems the refuse flow is predictable and the probabilityof overflow is slight. This modified system is particularly useful inother applications where the delivery of material to be compacted isless predictable than in residential systems.

It should be clear that other sensors may be used in place of switches128, 160 and 161 and in place of sonic sensors 162 and 163 to provideequivalent results.

The control circuit 2 further includes timing circuits which areactivated when a gate (gate 112 and/or gate 134) is opened. Afteropening, if a signal is not received from sensor switches 115 and/or135, to indicate that the gate has closed within a predetermined periodof time, an alarm is activated and the system shut down. This indicatesa jam in a gate mechanism which must be cleared manually through accessdoors, such as doors 131 and 132 of FIG. 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the gates 112 and 134 are hydraulicallyoperated (by means not shown). The design of the hydraulic system shouldbe apparent to one skilled in the art within the spirit of thisinvention. The ram 123 may be a conventional hydraulically operated ramwhich is also not described herein in detail. The gates and ram mayalternatively be pneumatically, mechanically or electrically operateddevices. A typical hydraulic gate mechanism and operating circuit, whichis easily adaptable to the present invention, is shown in U.S. Pat. No.3,481,268, dated Dec. 2, 1969, and issued to H. Price et al.

Referring to FIG. 4 in order to facilitate removal of the compactedcontents of a container 106 after it is ejected from the compactingsystem, a removable liner unit 140 is provided within the container 106.By providing a removable liner unit 140 which is made of a relativelysturdy and corrosion-proof material (such as stainless steel, fiberglassor plastics) the containers 106 can be of relatively inexpensiveconstruction. If desired, the containers 106, when used with a liner 140of FIG. 4, can be disposable containers, thereby enabling furtherautomation of the present system.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 4b, the liner 140, which is adapted for usewith a cylindrically shaped container 106, includes first and secondsubstantially semicylindrical members 141 and 142 which are securedtogether at their edges by hinges 143 and 144. In this embodiment, bothhinges 143 and 144, have removable hinge pins 145 and 146, respectively,to releasably secure the two members 141 and 142 together.Alternatively, only one end of the semi-cylindrical portions can bereleasably secured together by a removable hinge pin, the other pinbeing permanently in place. The sections 141 and 142 will pivot aboutthe fixed hinge pin. However, when both hinge pins are made removable,the members 141 and 142 can be detached from each other in order tofacilitate removing the liner 140 from the container 106.

As seen in FIG. 4b, the upper portions of the semicylindrical members141 and 142 are outwardly flared as shown at 147 and have a flange 148at the end of the flared portion. The flange 140 may be omitted. Theflared portion 147 is to further insure that all of the material fromthe chute is directed into the container and the combination of theflared portion 147 and flange 148 is to facilitate removal of the linerfrom the container 106. The flange 148 protrudes from the container 106so that it is easily gripped for removal thereof. As is more clearlyseen in FIG. 4a, the flared portions 147 and the flange 148 of the liner140 have cut-outs therein to form spaces 149 and 150. The spaces 149 and150 are to facilitate the removable hinge pins and 146 while the lineris still within the container 106. The spaces 149 and are also providedwhen only one removable hinge pin is used so that sufficient room isprovided for the semi-cylindrical members 141 and 142 to be pivotedabout the fixed hinge in the outward direction to release the compactedrefuse so that the liner can be easily removed from the containerwithout simultaneously removing the compacted refuse.

FIG. 40 shows an insert 151 which may be used to fill the spaces 149 and150, shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. When a liner having two removable hingepins is used, such as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4b, the insert151 is attached to each hinge pin (FIG. 4c shows a single insert 151attached to a single hinge pin 145). When a fixed hinge pin is used, theinsert 151 may be removably secured to place by other means, not shown.Inserts 151 serve a dual function, the first of which is to fill thespaces 149 and 150 during filling of the container so that material tobe compacted is prevented from falling through spaces 149 and 150 andinto the space between liner 140 and container 106. The second functionof the inserts 151 is to facilitate removal of a removable hinge pin.

Since the container 106 rests on a strong base of the container holder107 there is no need to provide a bottom for the removable liner 140.Even when the container 106 is not constructed of very strong material,no damage is inflicted on the container 106 during the compactingprocess by virtue of the presence of protecting liner 140.

FIGS. 5a abd 5b illustrate liner and container configurations for usewith disposable bags, such as plastic or paper bags. Referring to FIG.5a, the container holder 107 has a container 106 inserted therein.Inserted within the container 106 is a disposable bag 152, the upperedges 153 of the disposable bag being turned over the upper edge of thecontainer 106 to keep the bag 152 in place. l nserted within thedisposable bag 152 is a liner 140 of the type previously described inconjunction with FIG. 4 or of the type described below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 6a and 6b. The liner 140 (when of the type shown in FIG. 4)may include removable hinge pins at either or both halves thereof, asdiscussed in connection with FIG. 4. After the container containing theliner 140 is filled with compacted material and has been ejected downramp 129 to the disposal station (not shown), the liner is removed byremoving one or both of the hinge pins (whichever is applicable) andpulling the liner up and out of container 106. By removing the hingepins, the liner is loosened from the compacted material therein and iseasily removed. Then, the disposable bag 152 is closed, re-

moved from the container 106 and is disposed of.

In order to facilitate removal of the plastic bag from the container106, the container may be of similar construction as the liner 140.Also, the container holder 107 may be constructed with only three sidewalls,

thereby facilitating removal of the disposable bag from the container106 after the container is opened, by merely sliding the bag out. Sincethe disposable bag rests on the bottom of container holder 107, which isof relatively sturdy construction, it is even possible to use acontainer 106 which does not have a bottom thereon in this application.Thus, the container 106, in this embodiment, can take the form of twomembers which are hingedly secured together at their ends, the hingeshaving removable hinge pins. Such a container could be substantiallyidentical to a liner 140 of FIG. 4 except the container 106 would notinclude the outwardly flared portion and the flange portion. In thisconfiguration, the container could be round, square or any otherconvenient shape. Other types of quick release locking mechanisms may beutilized for such a bottomless container in place of hinges withremovable hinge pins. Since the outside surface of the container isreadily accessible, it is preferable to utilize quick release lockingdevices in order to permit removal of the disposable bag without thenecessity of lifting the bag over the upper edge of the container.

An alternative to the construction shown in FIG. 5a is shown in FIG. 5b.In this alternate construction an integral structure 153, which combinesthe functions of container 106 and container holder 107, is provided.The operation of this type of configuration is substantially the same asthe operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 5a. Structure 153 isprovided with a closable opening having a quick release lockingmechanism 154, shown schematically. Various known locking devices, suchas hinges with removable hinge pins or the locking mechanism of FIG. 7may be used. Again, after removal of the liner 140 in theabove-described manner, either the disposable bag 152 is lifted out ofthe integral structure 153 or the door, or the like, is opened by meansof locks 154 so that the disposable bag 152 can be easily removed fromthe side, without necessitating lifting of the bag over the upper edgeof the integral structure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the system shown in FIGS. 1-3 furthermodified in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is similar toFIG. 3 except that the control circuit 2' is slightly modified from thecontrol circuit 2 of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3. The sensor 113 of FIGS.1-3, and its associated connections to the control circuit, areeliminated in the embodiment of FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, the same referencenumerals are used to designate elements which are identical to thoseshown in FIGS. 1-3 and which have been previously described. Only aportion of the system is shown in FIG. 6. The remainder of the system issimilar to that of FIGS. 1-3 and is not shown in FIG. 6 for the sake ofclarity and for ease of description and understanding.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 is operated under the control of a timer (seeFIG. 7) and is particularly suitable in applications where the refuse orother material falling in the chute 100 is in accordance with apredetermined predictable pattern. The embodiment of FIG. 6 isparticularly suitable for use in multiple dwelling residential buildingswherein the peak periods during which refuse is dropped in the chute 100are accurately predictable.

The control circuit 2 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is schematically shownin FIGS. 7a and 7b. FIGS. 7a and 7b make reference to various elements,such as a pressure pump motor, solenoid valves, etc., which are notspecifically shown in the remaining figures. All of these elements arewell known in the art and are utilized in conjunction with the elementsshown in block schematic form in FIGS. 1-3 and 6. For example, typicalvalves for operating hydraulic mechanisms of the gates, and/or the ram,which are not specifically shown in the present drawings, are shown, forexample, in US Pat. No. 3,481,268, dated Dec. 2, 1969, and issued to H.Price et al.

The control circuitry of FIGS. and 7b is given merely by way of exampleand it should be clear that various other implementations thereof couldbe used. For example, electronic controls could be used for variouselements and semiconductor electronics could be used in place of therelay and switch elements specifically shown in the drawings.

The operation of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is as follows. The programtimer T shown in FIG. 7a is pre-set to turn the compacting apparatus onat predetermined times and maintains the apparatus in an on condition tocontinuously and repeatedly repeat its cycle for a predetermined periodof time at each on-period. For example, the program timer T may be setto turn on at 6:00 pm. and to keep the apparatus in operation until 8:00pm. This is a peak period during which refuse is discharged into thechute when the apparatus is used, for example, in a residentialapartment house.

When the apparatus is turned on by the program timer T at apredetermined time, while a container is located below the chute 100,the lower gate is operated to allow refuse located between closed gate134 and gate 1 12 to fall into the container. Gate 1 12 is then closedand the container is moved to the compacting station 3 wherein thematerial therein is compacted. During this time when the container ismoved to the compacting station 3, the upper gate 134 is opened to allowrefuse to fall on the closed gate 112. Gate 134 is then closed toprevent an excessive amount of refuse from falling in the container whengate 112 is opened during the next cycle of operation.

If it is determined at the compacting station that the container hasroom for more refuse, the container is moved back below chute 100 andlower gate 112 opens. Additional refuse falls into the container andgate 112 is then closed. The container is then moved back to thecompacting station 3 for compaction of the refuse. This continuous modeof operation continues for the predetermined period of time set by theprogram timer T. The apparatus operates continuously as described aboveregardless of whether or not refuse actually falls down the chute. Ithas been found that this is an advantageous mode of operating thecompacting apparatus and, based upon the predictability of refusefalling in the chute 100, reliable and economic operation is achieved.It has been found that even when the apparatus is operated continuouslyfor predetermined periods of time, the percentage of wasted operations(that is, operations when no refuse is present in the chute 100) is notexcessive and the apparatus is designed to reliably operate under theseconditions.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 could eliminate the necessity for includingrefuse sensors 11.3 and 133 which could potentially require excessivemaintenance to assure proper operation thereof. However, sensor 133 ispreferably retained to operate the system during periods of time thatthe timer is not operative. This is clearly seen in FIG. 7a.

The control circuitry is shown in detail in FIG. 7a and 7b. The circuitis laid out in such a form that the implementation and understandingthereof should be apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, adetailed discussion of all of the individual elements and theinterconnections therebetween is omitted.,The components of the controlcircuit of FIGS. 7a and 7b'are standard commercially available items.

When compacting system are used with chutes in refuse handling systems,the problem often encountered is that of eliminating vermin from withinthe chute. It has been found in practice that merely sprayinginsecticides into the chute is not a suitable means for controllingvermin. In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, asection of the chute above the gate unit 112 of FIG. 1 is lined withfire brick and a burner is installed above the gate to inject flameswithin the chute. This feature is shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b.

Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the chute 100 is lined with fire brick 155for a predetermined distance above the gate unit 112. A burner 156 ismounted in the wall of the chute for injecting flames into the chute torid the system of vermin. The flames produced by burner 156 aregenerally shown at 157 in FIGS. 8a and 8b. The burner 156, the specificdesign of which is known in the art, may operate from gas, oil or anyother suitable fuel. It has been found in practice that the heatgenerated by the flames produced by the burner 156 is effective to killvermin in the chute. The height of the fire brick 155 above the gate 112will depend upon the size and other characteristics of the particularsystem in which the compacting system is used. For residential systems,such as in apartment houses, a height of approximately 2-3 feet abovethe gate'unit 112 is adequate.

The burner 156 is coupled to the control circuit 2 which controls theburner 156 to operate at times when refuse is not being fed down thechute 100. In residential dwellings, such as apartment houses and thelike, the control circuit 2 will be programmed to operate the burner 156in the early morning hours.

An advantage of the present invention is that the system may beinstalled in existing incinerator installations without making majormodifications thereto. A further advantage of the described system isthat it utilizes a straight-line (rather than curved) container feedarrangement. See, for example, FIG. 2 which shows a top view of anembodiment ofthe present invention. In this embodiment, the emptycontainers are stored at platform portion 101 and are moved in astraight line to the refuse receiving station 1, The containers are thenmoved, also ina straight line, to the compacting station 3 where therefuse is compacted. After compaction, the container is moved, again ina straight line, either back to the refuse receiving station or down theramp 129 to the disposal station (not shown). Thus, there are no curvedpaths through which the container must be moved, thereby enablingsimpler, and therefore more reliable transporting mechanisms to be usedwith the system of the present invention.

Instead of chute having a square configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and2, chutes of other configuration such as rectangular, circular, oval,etc. can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:

1. Compacting system for compacting material in a container comprising:

a receiving station includinG a chute for receiving a gate unit in saidreceiving station operable for selectively closing and opening saidchute for selectively feeding said material to be compacted into saidcontainer;

a compacting station including level sensing means for sensing the levelof compacted material in said container; and

open-ended transport means between said receiving station and saidcompacting station for moving said container to said compacting stationalong a first given path after said gate unit closes, said material insaid container being compacted at said compacting station, saidtransport means moving said container back to said receiving station forreceiving further material to be compacted when the level of thecompacted material in said container is below a predetermined level, andejecting said container from said compacting system when the level ofthe compacted material in said container is above said predeterminedlevel, said transport means further including open-ended means formoving an empty container to said receiving station along a second givenpath which is independent of said first given path when said firstmentioned container is ejected from said compacting system.

2. System according to claim 1, further comprising a funnel shaped unitmounted between said gate unit and said container for directing saidmaterial to be compacted into said container.

3. System according to claim 1 wherein said gate unit is operable foropening said chute for a predetermined period of time.

41. System according to claim 1, wherein said transport means includes aplatform having means for moving a container thereon.

5. System according to claim 1 including timing means for continuouslyoperating said compacting system including said transport means for afixed lenth of time regardless of whether or not material to becompacted is present in said chute.

6. System according to claim 5 wherein said timing means operates saidcompacting system a number of times per day, each for a fixed length oftime.

7. system according to claim 1 wherein said gate unit includes a sensorfor indicating that said gate unit is closed, and including alarm meansfor indicating that said gate unit has not closed after being open for apredetermined period of time.

8. System according to claim 1 further comprising a second gate unitmounted a predetermined distance above said first gate unit.

9. System according to claim 1 wherein said gate unit includes sensingmeans for indicating the presence of material to be compacted thereon,said gate unit being operable only when material to be compacted ispresent thereon.

111. System according to claim S wherein said second gate unit ismaintained closed when said first gate unit is opened.

11. System according to claim 10 wherein said second gate unit includessensing means for indicating the presence of material to be compactedthereon.

12. System according to claim 1 comprising:

second sensing means located in said chute above said gate unit andcoupled to said control means for sensing the amount of material to becompacted lying on said gate when said gate unit is closed;

means responsive to said second sensing means and to said level sensingmeans at said compacting station for operating said transport means forejecting a container from said compacting station if the amount ofmaterial lying on said closed gate unit exceeds the available capacityof said container, and for moving said container back to said receivingstation if said capacity is not exceeded.

13. System according to claim 12 wherein said level sensing means atsaid compacting station includes a plurality of level sensing switchesselectively operable at different levels of compacting of said material,thereby sensing the available capacity of said container.

14. System according to claim 12 wherein said second sensing meanscomprises a plurality of sensors, each located at different heightsabove said gate unit for sensing the amount of material to be compactedlying on said closed gate unit.

15. System according to claim 1 further comprising spray means coupledto said control means for spraying said compacted material prior to saidcontainer being ejected from said compacting system.

16. System according to claim 1 further comprising a removable linerwithin said container.

17. System according to claim 16 wherein said liner is bottomless.

18. System according to claim 16 including a disposable bag interposedbetween said liner and said container.

19. System according to claim 1 wherein said transport means includes afirst transport device for moving said container between said compactingstation and said receiving station, and a second transport device formoving said empty container to said receiving station when a fullcontainer is ejected from the compacting system.

20. System according to claim 19 wherein said first and second transportdevices are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other.

21. System according to claim 19 wherein said first transporting deviceextends at least from under said receiving station to said compactingstation, and wherein said second transporting device extends adjacent tosaid first transporting device and includes means for sliding an emptycontainer from said second transporting device on to said firsttransporting device.

22. System according to claim 19 wherein said first and secondtransporting devices each include drive means having a plurality ofcontainer pushing members thereon for moving said containers.

1 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFECE CERTIFICATE OF CURECTEN Patent No. ,76,147 Dated October 16, 1973 Inventor) Amos D. IPPOLITO, et a1 It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 9, last line, change "includinG" to including;

after "a chute for receiving" insert material to be compacted, and meansfor receiving a container Column 10, line 44, change "system" toSystem-;

Column 1 1 2 line 12, change "compacting" to --compaction-.

' Signed and sealed this 7th day of May 197M.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDW 51D PLFLETCI-IERJR. C, MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 -'ORM PO-IOSO (10-69) I L w u.s.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 195's 0-366-334,

1. Compacting system for compacting material in a container comprising:a receiving station includinG a chute for receiving a gate unit in saidreceiving station operable for selectively closing and opening saidchute for selectively feeding said material to be compacted into saidcontainer; a compacting station including level sensing means forsensing the level of compacted material in said container; andopen-ended transport means between said receiving station and saidcompacting station for moving said container to said compacting stationalong a first given path after said gate unit closes, said material insaid container being compacted at said compacting station, saidtransport means moving said container back to said receiving station forreceiving further material to be compacted when the level of thecompacted material in said container is below a predetermined level, andejecting said container from said compacting system when the level ofthe compacted material in said container is above said predeterminedlevel, said transport means further including open-ended means formoving an empty container to said receiving station along a second givenpath which is independent of said first given path when said firstmentioned container is ejected from said compacting system.
 2. Systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a funnel shaped unit mountedbetween said gate unit and said container for directing said material tobe compacted into said container.
 3. System according to claim 1 whereinsaid gate unit is operable for opening said chute for a predeterminedperiod of time.
 4. System according to claim 1, wherein said transportmeans includes a platform having means for moving a container thereon.5. System according to claim 1 including timing means for continuouslyoperating said compacting system including said transport means for afixed lenth of time regardless of whether or not material to becompacted is present in said chute.
 6. System according to claim 5wherein said timing means operates said compacting system a number oftimes per day, each for a fixed length of time.
 7. System according toclaim 1 wherein said gate unit includes a sensor for indicating thatsaid gate unit is closed, and including alarm means for indicating thatsaid gate unit has not closed after being open for a predeterminedperiod of time.
 8. System according to claim 1 further comprising asecond gate unit mounted a predetermined distance above said first gateunit.
 9. System according to claim 1 wherein said gate unit includessensing means for indicating the presence of material to be compactedthereon, said gate unit being operable only when material to becompacted is present thereon.
 10. System according to claim 8 whereinsaid second gate unit is maintained closed when said first gate unit isopened.
 11. System according to claim 10 wherein said second gate unitincludes sensing means for indicating the presence of material to becompacted thereon.
 12. System according to claim 1 comprising: secondsensing means located in said chute above said gate unit and coupled tosaid control means for sensing the amount of material to be compactedlying on said gate when said gate unit is closed; means responsive tosaid second sensing means and to said level sensing means at saidcompacting station for operating said transport means for ejecting acontainer from said compacting station if the amount of material lyingon said closed gate unit exceeds the available capacity of saidcontainer, and for moving said container back to said receiving stationif said capacity is not exceeded.
 13. System according to claim 12wherein said level sensing means at said compacting station includes aplurality of level sensing switches selectively operable at differentlevels of compacting of said material, thereby sensing the availablecapacity of said container.
 14. System according to claim 12 whereinsaid second sensing means comprises a plurality of sensors, each locatedat different heights above said gate unit for sensing the amount ofmaterial to be compacted lying on said closed gate unit.
 15. Systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising spray means coupled to saidcontrol means for spraying said compacted material prior to saidcontainer being ejected from said compacting system.
 16. Systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising a removable liner within saidcontainer.
 17. System according to claim 16 wherein said liner isbottomless.
 18. System according to claim 16 including a disposable baginterposed between said liner and said container.
 19. System accordingto claim 1 wherein said transport means includes a first transportdevice for moving said container between said compacting station andsaid receiving station, and a second transport device for moving saidempty container to said receiving station when a full container isejected from the compacting system.
 20. System according to claim 19wherein said first and second transport devices are orientedsubstantially perpendicular to each other.
 21. System according to claim19 wherein said first transporting device extends at least from undersaid receiving station to said compacting station, and wherein saidsecond transporting device extends adjacent to said first transportingdevice and includes means for sliding an empty container from saidsecond transporting device on to said first transporting device. 22.System according to claim 19 wherein said first and second transportingdevices each include drive means having a plurality of container pushingmembers thereon for moving said containers.